Exciting survival
lesson at Athens University
Athens 03.03.2023. Forty Athens University students were
taught personal survival at sea during a shipwreck and gained experiences that
will last forever.
The teaching included several personal survival elements. These were the safe entry in the water, survival swimming in groups, H.E.L.P. and Huddle positions, use of a life-raft and a simulated emergency scenario. In the theoretical part, the teaching covered the elements of hypothermia, drowning and extreme conditions that take place in such emergencies.
The comments of the students were extremely enthusiastic. These are what they said: “It was a fantastic experience and I really enjoyed the whole process of the lesson” (Varvara Koutouzi). “Today was a very unique and useful experience, I enjoyed it very much” (Giannis Xynogalas). “The courses are a remarkable experience, source of knowledge not to be missed” (Alkinoos Atzemis). “The word lifeguard describes only a part of the job, that part can be prevented by YOU” (Konstantinos Troumpetas). “It was a life lesson and I'm very happy that I had the opportunity to participate" (Stavros Giannaras). “It was a great lesson, that everyone should learn in his life” (Alexios Kyriazis).
“Funny lesson good memories with good people»(George Konstantopoulos). “The lesson was an amazing experience and personally I learned a lot from it” (Panagiotis Patsellis). “Excellent course with an emphasis on imagination and improvisation” (Savvas Perrakis). “It was a fantastic and creative lesson. I am grateful to have participate” (Konstantinos Filikas). “The experience was so unique and I really enjoyed the way the lesson was taught” (Fragkou Aggeliki). “It was an amazing experience!! I am so happy that I participated!” (Markella Fragkomichalou). “Such a pleasant and unique experience, glad to be on the team and assist with the process” (Yakinthi Flampoura-Nietou). “It was something realistic and very useful and exciting at the same time” (Antreas Christodoulidis). “It was a fantastic experience and we learned a lot of new information and survival skills” (Gkatzos Ioannis).
“it was a fantastic lesson and very useful experience” (Petros Mavrogiannakis). "A wonderful lessons, in which we enjoyed learning about the very serious issue of what to do if we are survivors of a shipwreck " (Nefeli Papanikolaki). “Today’s lesson was fun and very useful at the same time” (Aristeidis Papandreou). “Once in a lifetime experience” (Ilias Kelesidis).“It was a pleasant class full of laughs that provided us with useful and necessary knowledge” (Vasiliki Perameriti). “It was a great experience and I am happy to be part of it» (Thanos Faltsetos).
“Great time today. I am very excited for the following sessions” (Kalou Panagiota). “It was an experience of a lifetime. We learnt many important things and had a lot of fun! I couldn't be more thankful”(Fay Vrachneli). “This lesson was such a beautiful and necessary experience for everyone” (Charalampos Kontrafouris). “It was a unique experience and I’m glad that I had the opportunity to participate” (Katerina Tornariti).
“This class was a very pleasant and enjoyable experience regarding something very serious and potentially live saving” (Marios Kokkalaras). “A very important lesson that entertained us in the best way!” (George Mavromatakis). “It was a unique, interactive activity and I really had fun by participating in it!” (Triantafyllou Efi). “Nice subject and interactive” (Konstantinos Mihalopoulos). “A lesson full of fun and unique experiences” (Andreas Faroupos). “Today, the lesson was fabulous, I enjoyed it very much” (Velychko Dmytro).
“A lifesaving journey has just begun” (Fotis Dimopoulos). “Great experience. I believe that the simulation of this dangerous reality that we may face in a shipwreck made us more knowledgeable to handle it” (Georgia Efthimiopoulou) . “It was a great experience, we obtained a very useful knowledge” (Stamatina Bairaktari). “Unique, useful, interactive and fun experience” (Theodora Kotsialou). “A really fun and useful experience” (Chiliou Andriana). “Enthusiastic and demonstrative lesson with useful knowledge” (Ermis Karapiperis).
Dr. Avramidis, said: “I am pleased for the lesson’s
positive impact in the hearts and minds of the students. The knowledge of how
to deal with aquatic emergency situations is precious and crucial for the
physical educators. It may protect themselves and others.”
Several organizations contributed for the successful
outcome of the teaching. The attendees, are enrolled in the module “Applied
Lifeguarding” that is offered by the School of Sport Science and Physical
Education of Athens University. The teaching was offered freely and rich in
content, by the President of the Greek Lifesaving Sports Association (GLSA),
Dr. Stathis Avramidis, as part of the project “Safe Greece” that is supported
by the Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation, the International Swimming Hall
of Fame’s program “Every Child A Swimmer”, the “Lifesaving Network” that is
co-funded by the European Commission and the AL-MA Safety company.
The GLSA, is a non-profit organization that was
founded in loving memory of 3 relatives that lost their lives at sea. It is a
member of the International Federation of Swimming Teachers’ Association, the
International Life Saving Federation, the International Life Saving Federation
of Europe, the Mediterranean Lifesaving Confederation, partner of the
Lifesaving Network, and ally of the
Princess Charlene of Monaco Foundation and the International Swimming Hall of
Fame. Photos: GLSA.
Disclaimer
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.
